Archery is a family sport, and with the aid of modern technology, it is a sport for all ages, sizes, and abilities to enjoy. Whether you enjoy competitive shooting, hunting with a bow, or just shooting a bow in general, Archery opportunities in Cowlitz County Abound!

For Archery Lessons, Supplies, Bows, and more, following are two Cowlitz County Businesses/Organizations to help meet your needs.

Mountain Biking
Don’t pass up the chance to turn a crank on the shoulder of an active volcano! The Ape Canyon ride, which begins on the south side of Mount St. Helens, is one of the Northwest’s premier mountain biking treks, with varied landscapes and incredible vistas. World-class single-track also awaits at Siouxon Creek, Lewis River, South Coldwater, and Old Man Pass/Falls Creek.

Tour de Blast - Road Biking
Tour de Blast is the essential event for road bikers, attracting crowds in excess of 1,000 each year. The 82-mile route from Toutle to Johnston Ridge takes riders into the very heart of the blast zone. If you can’t make the annual June event, you can still enjoy the experience and the views by following the ride route from Toutle to Johnston Ridge Observatory. Total elevation gain is 6,240'

STP Bicycle Classic
This 200-mile bicycle ride is the largest multi-day bicycle event in the Northwest, with up to 10,000 participants riding from Seattle to Portland in one or two days. The route takes you through the scenic valleys, forests, and farmlands of western Washington and Oregon.

Bob's Sporting Goods
Bob's in Longview, Washington, offers a variety of cycling products and services. Not to mention a very knowledgeable staff for excellent biking adventures through out Cowlitz County!

Canyonview Cyclery stocks a full range of bikes - including mountain, road and recumbent from many suppliers such as Raleigh, Sun, Norco, Pivot, SubRosa and many more - with price points to fit every budget. Canyonview Cyclery also offers an extensive line of parts, clothing and gear, including Sram, Shimano, Lazer, Garmin, Brooks, Park Tool and others.

Cowlitz County and Mount St. Helens are a camper's dream, offering a wide variety of venues for outdoor fun. RV-er’s will find numerous campgrounds with easy pull-through spaces, reliable shore power, comfortable service facilities and friendly hosts.

Tent campers and backpackers can choose from hundreds of unique campsites, with access to fishing, hiking and much more. Mount St. Helens attracts hundreds of guests from around the World each year, along with visitors from every state, so you'll have a chance to meet people from all over the world.

There are some amazing camping and RV-ing locations throughout Cowlitz County!

Climbing Mount St. Helens - Important information is available from the Mount St. Helens Institute

Mount St. Helens is a popular climb for both beginning and experienced mountaineers. Although people are able to climb Mount St. Helens year-round, late spring through early fall is the most popular season.

Climbers must have a permit. It is recommended that reservations be made well in advance. Reservations can be made online through the Mount St. Helens Institute

From April 1 through May 14, a permit is required.

If you are climbing between November 1st - March 31st, you must self register at either Climbers Bivouac or Marble Mountain Sno-Park’s climber registers. There is no fee for permits during this period.

If you are climbing between April 1st - October 31st, you must purchase your permit by clicking the “SEARCH NOW” button. Permits are $22.00. Permits are limited to 500/day from April 1st - May 14th, and 100/day from May 15th - October 31st. You are also required to self-register at either Climbers Bivouac or Marble Mountain Sno-Park’s climber registers.

Climbers Bivouac can be accessed by taking State Route 503 from Interstate 5 at Woodland.

Most climbers use the Monitor Ridge route from Climbers Bivouac. This route gains 4,500 feet in five miles to the crater rim at 8,365 feet elevation. Although strenuous, this non-technical climb is suitable for people in good physical condition who are comfortable scrambling over steep, rugged terrain. Most climbers complete the round trip in seven to twelve hours.

All climbers must register and obtain a climbing permit.

Weather and Avalanche, Climbers should be prepared for extreme weather and rapidly changing climbing and weather conditions. Please update yourself with the latest avalanche and weather forecasts. Check Here for Weather and Avalanche conditions

Volcanic Activity

Growth of the new lava dome inside the crater of Mount St. Helens is in a pause state. Please note an eruption could intensify suddenly or with little warning and produce explosions that cause hazardous conditions within several miles of the crater and farther downwind.

Climbing an Active Volcano

At 8,328 feet high (as measured by USGS in 2009), Mount St. Helens offers climbers a breathtaking view from the crater rim. Although it is not a technical climb, it is strenuous and hazardous due to ice, large boulders, loose pumice, fast-changing weather and volcanism. Climbers should be in very good physical condition, well equipped, informed about volcanic hazards, and have plenty of water and food.

The Mount St. Helens Institute has partnered with the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument to help protect the volcano’s fragile features and to ensure climbers have a safe, low-impact experience on the volcano.

If you already climb and hike, you already know about the basic Ten Essentials. Never leave the trailhead without them! Below is a list of Mount St. Helens Climbing Essentials and include the 10 essentials and more. The best thing to do is know your limits and practice good judgment.

All climbers are recommended to carry:

Climbing Helmet or Hard Hat - Protect your head in the event of volcanic ballistics or rock fall.

Dust Mask (N95 type) - Cover your mouth and nose in the event of ash fall or blowing dust. Dust Masks (N95 type) should be available from any large hardware store.

Goggles or Sunglasses with Side Shields, Sunscreen - The Sun reflecting off of snow and ash is intense. Avoid contact lenses, as blowing ash and dust can be a problem. And don't forget a hat.

Map, Compass, Route Markers - Use them to know where you are and where you are going. Be sure to tell someone at home of your plans.

First Aid Kit - You may need to come to your own rescue, or help someone else. Be prepared!

Knife - Handy for all kinds of purposes, especially the type with extra tools.

Extra Food and Water - Bring at least two quarts of water per person. No water is available at Climbers Bivouac or on the climbing route. Carry plenty of food (high energy food recommended) to snack on all day. Reduce packaging to eliminate trash.

Layering allows you to adjust your clothing to different exertion levels and weather.

Emergency signal device · Emergency Shelter - Yes, you planned to be out on one very long day. Be prepared just in case that longer day turns into something much longer.

Head lamp or Flashlight, extra batteries, and bulb - A necessity when the day is short and the trail is long.

Be sure to tell a friend or relative where you are going and check in with them you return. Having someone that will notify authorities if you don't return can help get you the assistance you need when you need it most.

Trekking poles (recommended), Waterproof matches, lighter or candles

Guided Climbs

We have space on busy weekends. The Mount St. Helens Institute offers guided climbs led by qualified leaders or by geologists who enlighten climbers to the volcano’s dramatic past, recent eruptions, and ongoing volcanism. Read more about the Institute’s guided climbs. For those who desire a geology-focused climb, read more about the “Geology on High” climbs with a geologist.

In October 2004, the Washington Trails Association selected eight hikes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest that provide spectacular views of Mount St. Helens. Trail reviews are provided.

Badger Peak Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 10-mile round-trip; elevation gain 1,600 feet with a high point of 5,664 feet. The best spot in the Dark Divide roadless area for dramatic views of Mount St. Helens and the blast zone.

High Rock Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 3-mile round-trip; elevation gain 1,400 feet with a high point of 5,658 feet. A steady climb to a lookout with views of Rainier, Adams, and St. Helens.

Strawberry Mountain Lookout Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest .75-mile round-trip; 500 feet elevation gain with a high point of 5,464 feet. Drive most of the way to view the volcano from this awesome lookout sight.

Tongue Mountain Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 3.5 mile-round-trip; elevation gain 1,300 feet with a high point of 4,750 feet. Hike through groves of pine trees to a lookout where Adams, Rainier, and St. Helens are all magnificent on the horizon.

Juniper Ridge Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 8 miles round trip; elevation gain 2,000 feet; high point 5,611 feet. A classic hike with dramatic views of volcanoes and the Cispus River below.

Sunrise Peak Trail to Jumbo's Shoulder: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 7-mile round-trip; elevation gain 2,000 feet with a high point of 5,500 feet. This steep trail takes you through fall-foliage meadows to a view of the volcano.

Hamilton Butte Trail: Gifford Pinchot National Forest 1.5 mile-round-trip; 900 feet elevation gain with a high point of 5,772 feet. This area was buried in pumice when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. A great short hike.

Guided Hikes

Guided hikes are often a great way to go, especially when you're not familiar with the areas. Checkout Cascade Pack and Paddle, LLC to experience the beauty offered in Cowlitz County!

Rocking Horse Ranch, LLC., located in Kelso, WA, offers a variety of trail rides, through beautiful forests, mountain scenery. Get up close and personal with views of Mt St Helens, and more. Available for lessons, trail rides, events, and more! Also offers Gift Certificates.

License requirements and fees are set by the Washington State Legislature, and are based on an April 1 - March 31 license year. For information on options and fees call the Licensing Division at 1.360.902.2464, or go to: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife

Several rivers, creeks, located through-out Cowlitz County hold varying amounts of Gold, Platinum, and other minerals. While you may not strike it rich, there are many exciting areas to try your hand at gold panning.

Bob's Sporting Goods located in Longview, WA, carries a large assortment of basic prospecting equipment, supplies, and informational materials. www.bobsmerch.com

Fire Mountain Prospectors based in Cowlitz County, is an excellent resource for local Prospecting, Events, and InformationWebsite

Gold Deposits
Gold occurs in two types of deposits: lode and placer (pronounced plasser). Lode deposits consist of ore minerals in veins or disseminated in rock. These deposits require blasting, milling, or leaching to recover the gold.

When a lode deposit weathers, gold and other minerals that resist weathering remain. Some of these minerals are called 'heavy minerals' because a given volume weighs more than the same volume of most other minerals. Many heavy minerals are black and make up what are commonly referred to as 'black sands'. When the weathered material is transported in a stream, heavy minerals (including gold) settle into crevices and any other depressions in the streambed and form placer deposits. Gold in the sand and gravel in the streambed can be recovered by panning.

Panning In Washington
The state's streams that contain placer gold are also important for the plant and animal communities they support. To protect stream and streamside habitats, the Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) administers the Hydraulics Code (RCW 75.20.100). This requires that any person or government agency desiring to use, divert, obstruct, or change the natural flow or bed of any river or stream, or utilize materials from stream beds shall obtain a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA). A formal HPA is not required for recreational panning and prospecting if you use a gold pan, mini-rocker box, or non-motorized, small sluice box. You must have a formal HPA for sluicing and dredging. Hydraulic Project Approval Applications may be obtained from Department of Fish and Wildlife Habitat Program at (360) 902-2534.

The DFW publishes a booklet "Gold and Fish" to provide details and definitions for use by recreational gold panners. Be sure to obtain and read a copy of "Gold and Fish", which you must carry with you whenever you are panning. The booklet also lists the classes of different streams and seasonal restrictions to certain activities on the various streams. If you have ant questions, contact the DFW.

It is important to know where in Washington you can go to find land that is 'open' for recreational panning. The map shows general areas in which gold placer deposits have been found. Not all of these localities are open for recreational panning.

Federal lands managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service (but not all federal lands) are open to panning (and prospecting). These federal agencies provide maps showing which lands they manage. Obtain a map from either of these agencies for the area where you plan to pan.

State-owned lands are not open for panning unless a placer mining contract for a specified parcel of land has been negotiated with the Department of Natural Resources. Privately owned land and patented or unpatented mining claims are considered private lands, and you must obtain the owner's/claim holder's permission to pan in advance.

If you have questions about land ownership, check with your Local County Assessor. Assessors maintain records of all land ownership in each county.

When doing more than recreational panning on public lands you should check with appropriate land management agency (Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management). If an HPA is required, you should check with these federal land management agencies to file operation plans with them also.

How To Pan
The following simple instructions will help you get started with a gold pan, which you can purchase at your local hardware store, rock shop, or prospecting supplies store.
First, fill your pan nearly full of the sand and gravel. Remove the largest stones from the pan.
Place the pan under water and be sure that all the material gets wet. You may have to mix the contents of the pan with your hands.

Quickly move the pan from side to side, either under water or while it is full of water, and rotate the pan's contents (but don't spill the contents). This action gives the gold particles a chance to settle to the bottom.
While continuing the side to side motion, gently tip the pan away from you. Lighter material and larger pieces that come to the top will move to the front of the pan. These can be skimmed or scraped over the brim of the pan with your thumb or hand.

Continue the motion described in steps 3 and 4, allowing water to wash lighter material over the brim until only a small amount of material remains in the pan. You'll need to add water to the pan.
The remaining heavy material is the concentrate. If you haven't yet seen gold in your pan, pour out excess water until enough is left to barely cover the concentrate. Swirl the pan contents to 'string out' or 'feather' the concentrate. Lighter particles will be washed father than the heavier particles, leaving the gold (because it is the heaviest) in the 'tail' of the concentrate.

Continue swirling water in the pan to further clean the concentrates, being careful not to lose any gold. Recovering gold by panning takes practice!

Click Here for a Downloadable Copy of the Rules
This guide must be carried with you at all times when prospecting, even recreationally - you can request a copy be sent to you by calling Fish and Wildlife, 360.902.2534 - WDFW Headquarters

The 2009 Gold and Fish pamphlet replaces all previous editions and will remain valid until the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) publishes a new edition. The rules contained in it were developed to protect fish and their habitats. You may print out the Gold and Fish pamphlet from this website or request one from a WDFW office. There is no charge for the Gold and Fish pamphlet.

Racing is available at the Castle Rock Fairground's Track, Riverdale Raceway in Toutle, Option MX in Toutle, and Woodland M/X Park

Castle Rock MX/Castle Rock Flat Track

Flat Track or Dirt Track, is the oldest form of motorcycle racing in the world. The MSHMC is here to help advance the interest of Flat Track racing, including educating the public, increasing rider participation, advertising and marketing. Unlike any other form of motorcycle racing, Flat Track began here in the good old U.S.A. and is considered to be the grass roots of all motorcycle racing.

Castle Rock MX

Trackmasters are the promoters for one of the most spectator friendly tracks in the NW, Castle Rock MX! This will be their 5th year running events in Toutle/Castle Rock, WA. This is one of the newest MX venues being offered to the MX Community and we are we are excited to bring you some awesome new events!. We have an incredible group of partners and sponsors to help us build this into a fun and family friendly track to come ride and race at. There are clean bathrooms, spectator seating, lights for Friday night racing and overnight camping for the weekend warriors. We are now located at Riverdale Raceway, Toutle, WA!

Located in Toutle, WA, next to the Riverdale Raceway. Option MX offers local fun, with a family feel. The GP course is about 15 minutes long. It has some single lane woods trails, some tight thru the trees spots some wide 8-10' width trails, about 40% of them are motocross, some endurocross, nothing real tough. There's 1 60ft. triple spaced small logs section, hill ramp with logs spaced, 1 large log with option, some steep ditch crossings, some fast sections, and some sand sections. Parking is somewhat limited. There's some smaller endurocross stuff next to big bike stuff, and there is a slightly shorter course for the kids.

Riverdale Raceway is the home to one of the best motocross tracks in Southwest Washington. They also just added a 1/8th mile drag racing track. Motocross tracks for both MX and Vintage series racing and practice. 1/8th mile Sportsman 500 handicap drag racing.

When it comes to water-based recreation, the opportunities in Cowlitz County are varied and spectacular. There’s fly fishing in 100 alpine lakes in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest and the chance to wet a line in dozens of mountain streams, rivers and tributaries that teem with salmon, steelhead and trout. Numerous lakes and reservoirs provide additional access to fish and fun.

Kayak or canoe in the tidal estuaries on the Lower Columbia, taking in the wealth of nature and wildlife on the Great River of the West. Jump waves and wakes with the jet skiers on the lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Take flight with sailboarders on the Columbia, west of County Line Park.

Whether your favorite activity is tubing, water skiing, sailing, boating, rafting down the Toutle or Cowlitz rivers on a warm summer day, or soaking up the sun at one of the county’s many swimming spots, we have it all.

Southwest Washington offers more than 30 launch sites for anglers, water skiers, jet skiers and boaters. Public launches are available on the Cowlitz, Kalama, Lewis, and Columbia rivers, as well as at Silver and Kress lakes and Yale and Swift reservoirs.

If you’re a fisherman, Southwest Washington is paradise, with streams, rivers and lakes holding a staggering array of fish stocks. No matter the time of year, there’s always a fish biting somewhere. The Cowlitz, Lewis, Toutle and Kalama rivers are among the most revered steelhead streams in the Northwest. The Columbia offers reliable salmon and sturgeon runs. Try your luck with kokanee at Yale Reservoir, tiger muskies and Coho at Merwin Reservoir, and rainbow trout at Swift Reservoir. Silver Lake delivers excellent fishing for large mouth bass and is also a great spot to go after perch, bluegill and crappie.

Cascade P & P currently offers guided kayak tours on Mount St. Helens' Coldwater Lake and the Lewis River's Merwin, Yale and Swift reservoirs, including overnight kayak trips on Yale and Swift. We also offer single day and multi-day hikes and backpack trips within the Mount St. Helens National Volcanic Monument.

We are proud to provide this service in our local area and hope that others will utilize our recreational and educational tours to enrich their understanding of Mount St. Helens and the Lewis River area.

Sasquatch Adventures offers a variety of outdoor recreational experiences. Located in the Southwestern corner of Washington State. Majority of our kayak and kayak fishing tours take place on the beautiful Silver Lake in Silverlake, Washington, below the majestic Mt. Saint Helens , known by many names in local indigenous dialects . The Puyallup Tribes called it “Loowitlatkla” (Lady of Fire).

We also offer a Cowlitz River Excursion, and we have many more on the way.

The Great Washington State Birding Trail, published by Audubon Washington in 2005, pinpoints the best places for bird watching in the Evergreen State.

Hundreds of thousands of birds of the Pacific Flyway depend on Washington’s wealth of natural habitats. Vast numbers of shorebirds stop here in spring to rest and eat before continuing northward, while many neo-tropical migrants, raptors, and others stay to nest and raise the next generation.

The Southwest Washington Loop features 270 of Washington’s 365 bird species. Many can be found at five sites in Cowlitz County.

Johnston Ridge Observatory: Many of the same species found on the Hummocks Trail.

Elk Viewing

Hundreds of Roosevelt elk inhabit the broad Toutle River Valley. The best viewpoints are at Hoffstadt Bluffs Visitors Center at Milepost 27 on State Route 504 and at the Mount St. Helens Forest Learning Center at Milepost 33.5. Helicopter tours leaving from Hoffstadt Bluffs also provide excellent elk viewing.

Deer and Other Wildlife

Deer and other wildlife such as Bears, Cougars, and more, reside within Cowlitz County, and beyond. Keep your eyes open while driving, hiking in the area. You never know when a beautiful Blacktail Deer may run across your paths.

Zip lines consists of a pulley suspended on a cable, usually made of stainless steel, mounted on an incline. It is designed to enable a user propelled by gravity to travel from the top to the bottom of the inclined cable by holding onto, or attaching to, the freely moving pulley. Zip-lines come in many forms, most often used as a means of entertainment.

They may be short and low, intended for child's play and found on some playgrounds. Longer and higher rides are often used as a means of accessing remote areas, such as a rainforest canopy. Zip line tours are becoming popular vacation activities, found at outdoor adventure camps or upscale resorts, where they may be an element on a larger challenge or ropes course.

Welcome to Treehouse Island Zip Line Adventures located in the heart of the Great Northwest, located just 45 miles north of Portland, OR! Discover the excitement that can only be found playing amongst the branches.

Treehouse Island is a fifty-acre paradise boasting a gorgeous array of Cedar, Ash, Maple and Fir trees for your zipping pleasure. Enjoy breathtaking nature, abundant recreation and incredible views that you can only find in the Northwest. Treehouse Island... be a kid again!